Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very interesting Third Pattern Brown Bess with the 39" barrel adopted in 1796, which actually looks to be an East India Company Musket dated 1817 that later had the lock replaced with one from an earlier Military Issued musket. Also known as the "India Pattern", it was the standard Musket of the line during 1815, the time of the Battle of Waterloo, though this example was made after that, and has a lovely patina of age, as well as some great characteristics.

This example was purchased directly from a Veteran of the War in Afghanistan, who brought this back in 2019, and comes with a printed copy of the original bring back documentation. These old rifles had remained there since the colonial wars of the Victorian era, and in many cases were still well cared for. In some cases they were actually still in use! Many similar old British guns were sent back home during the 2000s by both service members as well as civilians involved in the conflict.

This example has the later style of stock, without the "bannister rail" on the top of the butt stock, a feature that was basically done away with after 1807. The musket has a full 39" regulation length, .75" smoothbore iron barrel, which looks to have seen extensive use, as the bore at the muzzle now measures 0.795", well over the original specification. The left side is marked with clear British markings, including the CROWN / GP gunmaker's proof and CROWN / V "viewed" markings from the London gun company proof house. In between these is a mostly clear EIC "Heart" logo, so it was definitely a barrel made for EIC service. The very end of the barrel is stamped with an 1817 date. The side plate also has the correct screw in the center, seen almost exclusively on EIC muskets.

The lock plate is an earlier pattern marked with CROWN over G.R. mid lock for King George III, and TOWER across the tail. There is also the CROWNED "Broad Arrow" Lock Viewer's marking under the flash pan. The lock has a swan neck cock, indicating pre-1808 construction, so it definitely predates the rest of the musket. It has all brass furniture, together with correct issue iron ramrod and both sling swivels still present and easily movable, though they are also quite loose due to how worn out the mounting holes are.

Based on this we would assume that the musket found its way to the region via India, and then saw long use during much of the 19th Century, and possibly into the 20th century. The original lock may have simply worn out, and then was replaced from another lock on hand. which is in great shape, with little wear to the frizzen. We checked the lock action, and it still holds correctly at half cock, firing at full, and the mainspring is strong. Overall condition is very nice, with the barrel polished from repeated external cleaning, and the lock still retaining the original markings very well. The brass fittings have a lovely mellow patina, showing some wear through on the front ramrod pipe due to the sling swivel. The stock is in good shape, though it does show cracks and possible past repairs. It is also finished with a heavy varnish or shellac, which we have left in place to preserve the history.

This rifle was brought back from Afghanistan by Kenneth D. Harris of Vancouver, Washington. It comes with printed copies of the original customs form as well as the bringback AFFIDAVIT from Bagram Airfield, identifying the musket as a "TOWER BROWN BESS MUSKET", manufactured in 1817, with the Serial number N/A as the rifle itself has no serial. The affidavit is signed by Harris and dated 26 JUN 2019 below this. It has additional signatures regarding customs clearance, and a CENTCOM preclearance stamp.

An All British "India Pattern" Brown Bess Musket which saw long service in the Indian Subcontinent and possible service during the Anglo-Afghan wars, and then stayed behind to be found by a USGI during the 21st century. In lovely condition and ready to display!

Specifications: 

Years of Manufacture: Circa 1800
Caliber: .75" Musket - worn to 0.795"
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 39 inches
Overall Length: 54 3/4 inches
Action: Flintlock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

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Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.